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'Glee' Emmy submissions shocker: The Changs are out!

May 18, 2011 | 1:24
pm

20th Century Fox TV recently unveiled its complete list of Emmy contenders for "Glee," which included 23 performers in the six comedy acting categories (male and female lead, supporting and guest). Surprisingly missing from the list are two performers who have been with the show since the first season: series regular Jenna Ushkowitz, who plays original glee-clubber Tina Cohen-Chang, and recurring guest star Harry Shum Jr., who plays dancer Mike Chang.

This season, the characters played on "Glee" by Ushkowitz and Shum started dating, and have been seen at each other's sides for the duration of the year. Could their lack of submissions be a simple oversight? With so many other actors and actresses to choose from, maybe these two just got overlooked?

No, not at least in the case of Shum. His rep Shannon Barr said bluntly, "You have to pay money to enter the Emmys. The same people get nominated every year, so why bother to submit? It's a waste of money. It's not that we don't think he's fabulous. He is. His manager and I just considered the situation and decided to pass."

I explained to Barr that Shum would not have to pay an entry fee if he belonged to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which costs $175 annually to be a member. She replied, "We do not advise him not to join the TV academy."

It is not the responsibility of Fox TV to submit individual performers for Emmy consideration. That's left to the performers and their reps. A few other "Glee" stars also decided not to submit: Iqbal Theba, who plays Principal Figgins, and Jessalyn Gilsig, who plays the vindictive ex-wife of Will Schuester. All of the show's remaining cast members were listed in this year's submissions, including last year's supporting comedy actress winner Jane Lynch and past nominees Matthew Morrison (lead actor), Lea Michele (lead actor) and Chris Colfer (supporting actor).

Last year, "Glee" topped all other TV series with a total of 19 Emmy nominations. They secured four victories: the aforementioned Lynch, Neil Patrick Harris for guest actor, Ryan Murphy for comedy directing and sound mixing for a comedy series.

Below, take a look at Tina and Mike in action, for roles that they will not be nominated for.